‘Women more prone to Vit D deficiency’

Mumbai: Women in the age group of 12-35 years have a higher Vitamin D deficient value as compared to men across age groups, revealed a study by a national diagnostic chain between January and December 2011.      The study shows that 27,606 out of the 33,444 Mumbaikars, who were surveyed, had abnormal Vitamin D levels. What's worse, 65.84% of these were women. However, more men suffered from Vitamin D insufficiency. According to the parameters given in the study, anything below 10 units of Vitamin D is deficiency and between 10 and 30 units is insufficiency.      Dr Deepak Sanghavi, consultant pathologist at Metropolis Healthcare's clinical chemistry department, said, "Vitamin D deficiency is common among women and kids in India even though there is adequate sunlight, high day temperature and a humid climate here."      Besides bone-related problems, other diseases like heart ailments and diabetes too have been linked to lack of Vitamin D. Dr Pradeep Bhonsale, head of orthopedic department at civic-run KEM Hospital, said his unit sees at least 15 patients per day who complain of problems that actually turn out to be due to Vitamin D deficiency.      Vitamin D is required for utilization of calcium. "The deficiency is more in women as after menopause, their bodies lack certain hormones," said Dr Bhonsale.  TOP UP ON SUNSHINE  • Minimum 20 minutes of sunlight exposure, between 8am & 8.30am and 4pm & 4.30pm, is needed  • Cod liver oil, salmon, tuna fish and mackerel, fortified milk and cereals, whole egg and certain types of cheese provide Vitamin D  • Supplements should not be taken without consulting doctors